| Parliamentary Strategy

APGAW takes a One Welfare approach and places it in the context of the Group’s work. It aims to pick up on a range of issues of interest to both politicians and associate members. These ‘key issues’ will cover the work of APGAW until the end of this Parliament, however they will be reviewed regularly and amended as necessary. APGAW will also hold additional meetings on topic subjects if, and when, they are needed.

Reduction in animal and human abuse

Aim:

1. i) To increase sentencing for animal cruelty and to help to improve multidisciplinary approaches for dealing with poor animal welfare and its wider impacts (including for example, restorative justice and offender registers). Domestic Violence & Abuse Bill in Queen’s Speech.
2. ii) To consider ways of improving enforcement of animal welfare working with the police, charities and local authorities.

Improved animal welfare and social aspects/More efficient multidisciplinary approaches

Aim:

1. i) To encourage more responsible pet ownership – (including through implementation of England-wide dog strategy which covers breeding, dealing and selling, consistent education, veterinary support, public education around choosing and keeping of pets including exotics etc).

Improved animal welfare – addressing poverty and local community support/Mutual rescue, improved life chances

Aim:

1. i) To develop and promote the benefit of pets on wider issues (for example, adult social services, learning disabilities, health and fitness, general well-being)

Improved animal welfare and food safety/Improved animal and farmer welfare, improved farming productivity/Improved animal welfare and improved food security and sustainability.

Aim:

1. i) To consider issues around humane slaughter, endemic diseases (e.g. lameness, mastitis), live transportation, CCTV in abattoirs, Brexit trade issues, improved consumer information/empowerment through labelling etc

Improved biodiversity conservation, environmental aspects and human wellbeing.

Aim:

1. i) To promote the benefits of working to support British farmers to support conservation and wildlife.
2. ii) To support work to protect endangered species and the trade in illegal wildlife goods

 Work-streams

We are currently working on the following issues:

> Reducing livestock worrying and encouraging responsible dog ownership.
> Farm animal welfare post Brexit – e.g. live transport, welfare at slaughter, meat labelling .

In 2020 our current plan is to look at welfare around animals used in science and any post Brexit impact, non-stun slaughter and enforcement of animal welfare law.

You can view the APGAW Parliamentary Progress Report for 2017-19 here